Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Europa League: Athletico Bilbao Vs Man United

Man United will head to San Mames Stadium, home of Athletico
Bilbao, at Basque region, to fight the place into the last eight. The Red
Devils were completely outplayed by the Spanish outfit in the first leg tie at
Old Trafford. The reigning English Champion should find Athletico much tougher
at home as the Basque team hasn’t lost at home in six European games and they
will fight at their level best to reach
their first European quarterfinal in 45 years.

Man United surely will have hard game there. But both team
had different result in their domestic fixtures prior this game. Athletico was
defeated at home 1-2 by Osasuna that
brought down the five games unbeaten while Man United defeated West Brom 2-0 at
home. However this will be different ball game for both team.

There was report saying that Athletico hot shot Fernando
Llorente will miss this game due to injury. If this is true it could be good news
to Man United. Llorenta who scored Athletico only goal against Osasuna, now
already had 22 goals in all competition under his belt. He is now Spain main
striker as Fernando Torres already out of form while David Villa is injured. In
the first leg his presence really cause havoc at Man United defense.

There was also rumour that saying Man United is ready to let
go the Europa League to focus on defending Premier League title. So Sir Alex
Ferguson will throw young and inexperienced squad for this game. But I believed
that is not Man United way. After been kick out from the glamorous Championship
League, Man United really needs to win this Europa League to salvage some pride
that left. And after all why focus on one title if we could win two. Though Man
United is at the top of the Premier League now, it’s only a very slim lead. Man
United fixtures showed much easier run in compared to Man City but that is not
enough to put a bet. In football anything could happen.

So I believed Sir Alex will field stronger squad for this
game. De Gea is the main shot stopper
now. Lindegaard will find it hard to dislodge the Spaniard. Ferguson will need
the experience Ferdinand so he will play together with Evra, Evans and Jones.
At the center of the park Carrick and Scholes had showed that they are the
best. Cleverley and Pogba will be the cover. Young surely starts on the left.
Not sure about Nani. If he is out than Welbeck who played as right winger will
continue playing at this slot. But if Ferguson thinks he need to rest Welbeck
than Ji Sung Park will play. At the front the always energetic Rooney will also
in. He had been such inspirational lately for his team. He could rally the team
and give the much needed belief when thing going awry. He is also a match
winner. Could not rest him for this game. Hernandez will be Rooney partner. The
Mexican had showed his determination and hunger for goal just luck not on his
side. His pace, trickery and skills will trouble Athletico.